GREEN SYNTHESIS OF MAGNESIUM OXIDE NANOPARTICLES USING ACALYPHA WILKESIANA LEAF EXTRACT AS AN ADSORBENT FOR THE REMOVAL OF HEAVY METALS FROM WATER
Abstract
This study focused on the green synthesis of magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles using Acalypha wilkesiana leaf extract, which acted as both a reducing and stabilizing agent. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of active compounds that facilitated nanoparticle formation. Characterization by UV–Vis, XRD, and SEM revealed that the nanoparticles were crystalline with a rough, high-surface-area morphology. In adsorption studies, the MgO nanoparticles effectively removed Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Cr³⁺ ions from water, with Pb²⁺ showing the highest uptake, reducing concentrations to 0.012 mg/L below the WHO permissible limit. The adsorption process fitted the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetics, suggesting monolayer chemisorption. Overall, the findings demonstrate that Acalypha wilkesiana derived MgO nanoparticles are low-cost, sustainable, and promising adsorbents for water purification.
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